To promote his upcoming sixth season of MindFreak, Criss Angel recently appeared on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. You can view two segments: an interview; and the magic sequence, a "Russian Roulette" style effect with a knife and cups.
Many in the magic world, and I've heard this from several credible sources, say that Jay Leno does not enjoy or appreciate magic entertainment and magicians. This could well be as Leno's cavalier treatment of Angel's routine - even laughing at a key moment during a potentially dangerous stunt - effectively broke the tension and ruined the moment.
On the other hand, it's possible that Leno has simply seen this routine before and by now, there's little that impresses him with regards to the effect. For example, I know that Brian Brushwood once performed a version of this effect for Leno on the "Tonight Show" (something that Brushwood performed as a comedy bit).
The "cups and knife" effect is all over the internet and has been seen numerous times on national television. I recall that Angela Funovits performed it on "The Phenomenon," and Angel himself did it during an early episode of MindFreak. Perhaps, for the time being, this trick has simply run its course with too many performances.
The other significant issue concerns the lack of support by Leno as the show's host. It's Leno's show and he's the star, but doesn't he want his guests to be seen in the best light? After all, what's good for his guests should, in turn, be good for Leno and the show. Leno's attitude definitely detracted from Angel's effect. It's another case of a talk show host wreaking havoc with a magician's routine, just as David Letterman did during his recent week of magic.
More Reading:
Review of Believe: Starring Criss Angel
Profile: Criss Angel
Interview with Criss Angel
Las Vegas Magic Shows
David Letterman's Magic Week
Comments
The problem we see is that I think we know that “The Tonight Show” was a great avenue for magic many years ago in the Carson era! We all know that Carson was not only a fan but also a Magician- remeber such memorable apperances one stands out with Gertner, Carson not only enjoyed it be he got it and it was then transformed to the audiance as trully remarkable! Leno is Leno, and I think he also gets very uptight at the fact that Letterman has beaten him to the punch one again with his Magic Weeks- As far as Angel is concerned we need a new Magician to step into the spotlight- Blaine- Angel who is next that will save this great form of entertainment for us all? We need it!
Leno has little patience for overblown then underperformed acts of any kind. Angel did his usual shtick then did a trick done before to better effect.
Leno did the same thing on New Years 2000. L.A. did this big build up to a supposedly spectacular fireworks and laser show. Leno hit the button then, a few fireworks and a couple of laser shots into the sky.
He was standing next to the mayor and went off about how this was the best LA could do. He was visibly pissed and I don’t blame him.
This was probably the same reaction he had to Angel’s routine.
To bad Angel did not make Leno vanish and Angel host the rest of the show doing close up work.
Criss Angel is, by no means, my favorite entertainer. After reviewing the interview and performance on the “Tonight Show”, I find it hard to agree with your opinion. Angel was comfortable in the performance and presented the effect quite well. Leno seemed to attempt to augment the routine with cooperative banter and a convincing demonstration of legitimate stress. What more Leno could have done to put Angel in a positive light, is beyond me.